Page:Tirant lo Blanch; a study of its authorship, principal sources and historical setting (IA cu31924026512263).pdf/126

 CHAPTER II

TIRANT LO BLANCH RESEMBLES YOUNG GUY OF WARWICK

Perhaps William of Warwick stands for the mature Guy of Warwick, and Tirant lo Blanch for the youthful Guy of Warwick. If such is the case, we have met with a very interesting phenomenon: in the meeting of the hermit and Tirant we have the venerable and experienced Guy of Warwick giving instructions in regard to knighthood to his younger self. Our attention is first called to this resemblance when we read of the honors that Tirant gained at London.

Tirant lo Blanch crossed the English Channel, took part in the exercises of arms that were conducted under the auspices of the King of England, and won for himself the honor of being the best knight; for in reading the document given by the King to Tirant we meet these words: " volem que [Tirant lo Blanch] sia per tots los quatre cantons de les liçes publicat per lo millor dels cauallers."

Guy of Warwick crossed the English Channel, engaged in a tournament that had been proclaimed by the daughter of the emperor of Germany, and as a result a sergeant came to him after the tournament and addressed him in these words:

Sir Guy, he seide, god the kepe: Thou art holde the best in this borough And in all this londe thurgh and thorough. be proclaimed from all four corners of the lists the best of the knights. Tirant lo Blanch, chap. lviii, col. 2.]